The Nigeria Football Federation has come to the defense of the Super Eagles’ medical team amidst criticism over their handling of Umar Sadiq’s injury. 

The Real Sociedad striker was omitted from Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after sustaining an injury during a 2-0 friendly defeat against Guinea, leading to his replacement by Paul Onuachu.

Despite initial expectations of a three-week recovery period, a video surfaced on Monday showing Sadiq training with his Real Sociedad teammates, sparking doubt among Nigerian football enthusiasts regarding the medical team’s competence.

In response to the criticism, the NFF issued a statement, stating, “The camp of Nigeria’s senior men football team, Super Eagles, has decried reports in sections of the media that have continued to garnish the medical case of Spain-based forward Sadiq Umar with conspiracy theories, incorrect assumptions, and unbecoming insinuations.”

The NFF affirmed that the medical team handled Sadiq’s injury with competence and professionalism. The statement emphasized that the medical procedures were diligently followed before advising Head Coach José Peseiro to withdraw the player from the squad.

“We are surprised at the news trending on social media concerning Sadiq Umar and how he was withdrawn from the team camp. The fact is that our medical team meticulously abided by the best medical procedures and were diligent in their processes and conclusions before advising Head Coach José Peseiro that the player be withdrawn from the squad,” the NFF stated.

While the medical team chose not to engage in public disputes, the NFF reiterated their commitment to the collective responsibility of Team Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations championship. 

The statement emphasized that Sadiq Umar was kept informed throughout the process, starting his rehabilitation with the team physiotherapist before returning to his club in Spain.